February is CTE month
Each February, students and teachers across South Dakota and the nation take time to recognize the value of career and technical education. As has become tradition in South Dakota, officers of the Career and Technical Student Organizations will visit the Capitol in Pierre next week to showcase CTE.
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Legislature debates school sentinels, ESA funding
The 2013 legislative session is underway. Education committees have heard bills related to ESA funding (SB 76), and school sentinels, HB 1087. Click here to find the latest updates related to any 2013 billl, and for brief education-related updates, follow the South Dakota Department of Education on Twitter.

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Nominations sought for Outstanding Biology Teacher Award

Nominations are now being accepted for the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award, which honors teachers of the life sciences. They do not need to have a majority of their class load in the life sciences; however they just have to have consistently taught and currently teach life sciences.

Criteria for Selection
1. Candidates must be presently teaching biology/life science and must have devoted a significant
portion of his/her career to the teaching of biology/life science.
2. Candidates from public, private, and parochial schools are eligible.
3. A minimum of three years of teaching experience is mandatory before applying for the award.
4. Candidates need not be members of National Association of Biology Teachers.
5. Unsuccessful candidates may be re-nominated from year to year.
6. Candidates may receive the award more than once, after 10 years.

A Selection Committee consisting of college biologists, school administrators, high school life science teachers, and possibly scientists from industry or government will help choose the state winner.

To nominate a teacher, email the following information to South Dakota Science Teachers Association President elect Julie Olson.
1. Name of nominee and school where he/she teaches
2. Email address and phone number of nominee
3. Your (nominator’s) name and email address or other contact information

The nominee will get an email detailing the guidelines to apply. Award applications must be completed by March 15. Last year's recipient was Jan Palmer of Aberdeen High School.